Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 100.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

The Governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 100 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

He said:“After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

“Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

“I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

“She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

“We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

“We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.

”Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The Fifty-two suspects, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrested following Saturday’s violent protest against rising kidnappings and insecurity, are expected to regain their freedom as early as tomorrow.

The detainees are currently held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre in Esan South-East Local Government Area. Parents of the affected students gathered at the facility, appealing to authorities for the immediate release of their children.

The protest, initially sparked by concerns over frequent abductions in Ekpoma and surrounding communities, reportedly escalated into violence when hoodlums hijacked the demonstration. Incidents included looting, property destruction, attacks on traders, and vandalism at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.

Osadebamen Ehozogie, President of the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG), who visited the correctional facility, stated that the protest was not organized by genuine students.

He emphasized that it was hijacked by hoodlums and external elements, including groups like the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (comprising former students or non-students), who exploited the situation for criminal activities.

The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, has initiated processes to verify and release bona fide AAU students, with Commissioner for Education Dr. Paddy Iyamu deployed to the Ubiaja facility to oversee the effort.

Authorities maintain that the violence was orchestrated by non-students, and the university was not in session at the time.

Amid widespread calls from groups like the PDP, NANS, SERAP, and figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for unconditional release, the development signals a potential resolution focused on distinguishing innocent students from those involved in the unrest.

The case, involving charges such as malicious damage and armed robbery, was adjourned to February 26, 2026, but efforts continue to facilitate releases through due process.

Parents and student leaders expressed relief at the prospect of freedom, while urging sustained action against the root cause: persistent insecurity in the region.

Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, Ogun State’s first civilian governor during Nigeria’s Second Republic, has died at the age of 100.

The family announced her peaceful passing on Monday, January 11, 2026, in a statement released on Tuesday by her daughter, Olubukunola Onabanjo, Chairperson of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission.

“The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother,” the statement read. “Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.

We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith she leaves behind. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

“Born in 1925 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Madam Onabanjo moved to Lagos at around age 10 to complete her education. She trained at the Teachers’ Training College in Yaba, Lagos, and built a career in teaching spanning over two decades.

She was married to the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, who served as governor from October 1979 to December 1983 under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). Their union produced four children—two sons and two daughters—though their first daughter predeceased them.

As the state’s maiden First Lady, she provided steadfast support to her husband during his tenure, which was noted for establishing key institutions like Ogun Television and Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University).

She was also actively involved in community service, with a keen interest in children’s welfare, women’s empowerment, and humanitarian causes. She served as Iya Ijo of St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral in Ijebu-Ode.

Tributes have poured in from prominent figures. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described her demise as “the end of a glorious era,” praising her exemplary life devoted to God, family, and humanity, and noting her role in supporting her husband’s fight for democracy and social justice.

President Bola Tinubu condoled with the family, highlighting her compassionate investments in lives across the community, state, and nation, and urging the preservation of her legacy of love for the poor and vulnerable.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Madam Onabanjo’s passing marks the end of an era for one of Ogun State’s foundational political families, leaving behind a profound legacy of grace, resilience, and service.